A model for fetal alcohol syndrome prevention in Native American population.

Describes the development and evaluation of a fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) prevention program. Program objectives were to develop substance abuse prevention (SAP) products, as well as materials and tools, with a special emphasis on communication strategies to address prevention and/or reduction of the incidence of FAS among Native American (NA) adolescents. The health communication process model was used as a theoretical foundation for this SAP program design. The model involves: (1) planning and strategy selection, (2) selecting communication channels and materials, (3) developing materials, (4) implementation, (5) assessing effectiveness, and (6) feedback to refine the program. Consistent with this model, data are presented in 3 segments, as Phase 1, Professional Needs Assessment (49 prevention professionals); Phase 2, Development of FAS Prevention Program; and Phase 3, Evaluation (90 6th through 8th grade students, 85 completing pre- and post-tests). The survey revealed: (1) the lack of adequate and appropriate prevention resources and programs on alcohol use and its relationship to FAS for early adolescents and (2) the dearth of programs that address the needs of early adolescents at high risk of involvement in decision-making and behavior that can lead to addiction or FAS. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)